Legislation aimed at reducing litter and protecting Louisiana’s natural beauty has officially become state law as Act 196. The measure prohibits the intentional release of balloons outdoors and classifies intentional balloon releases as littering under Louisiana law. The legislation became law without the governor’s signature.
Under Act 196, individuals who intentionally release balloons, or organize events involving the planned release of 12 or more balloons, may face penalties under the state’s anti-littering statutes. The law includes exemptions for unintentional releases, indoor balloon releases, biodegradable balloons, scientific and meteorological uses, amateur radio tracking balloons, and recovered hot air balloons.
Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, who supported the legislation, said the new law is another important step in Louisiana’s ongoing fight against litter.
“Louisiana’s Sportsman’s Paradise is defined by our beautiful waterways, parks, wildlife, and outdoor spaces, and we all share a responsibility to protect them,” said Lieutenant Governor Nungesser. “Released balloons do not simply disappear, they often end up as litter in our communities, bayous, lakes, and along our coast, harming wildlife and livestock, and creating unnecessary pollution. Act 196 is a common-sense measure that helps keep Louisiana cleaner and preserves the natural beauty that makes our state so special.”
Lieutenant Governor Nungesser also thanked Representative John Illg, Jr., for authoring the original legislation and for his leadership in advancing the bill through the legislative process.
“I appreciate Representative John Illg’s commitment and his hard work to get this legislation passed. As a member of the Keep Louisiana Beautiful Foundation Board of Directors, Representative Illg has been a strong advocate for reducing litter and preserving the beauty of our state,” said Lieutenant Governor Nungesser.
The new law aligns with broader statewide efforts, such as Love the Boot Week and Love Our Waterways, to reduce litter and protect Louisiana’s beauty through cleanup initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and community partnerships focused on preserving the state’s natural resources for future generations.
